OSU v Washington

[FUDU]

Anybody really think an upset is LIKELY, as most of the media is hinting at?

[Steve Buffum]

Likely? Nah. But they looked better against Boise than OSU looked against Akron.

[Mr. MacPhisto]

I don't believe it's likely. Besides, if it is likely then is it really an upset?

I think it is certainly possible. I don't expect Washington to win, but I would not be surprised if they did.

[swerb]

Buckeyes are only 3.5 pt favorites, and realistically, should prolly be about 1-2 point favorites.

Huskies have looked very good in each of their first two games. Going cross country in the opener to beat Cuse by about 50, and then dominating a ranked Boise team from wire to wire.

That said, Cuse and Boise are both finesse teams. The Buckeye D has looked really good so far. They need to be physical and smack that freshman QB in the mouth a couple times early. Boeckman needs to get his head out of his ass, and I would not hesitate to go to Schoenhoft early if hs struggles if I was JT.

Should be an interesting game, and the first real barometer for the '07 Buckeyes. Im looking forward to it.

[Mr. MacPhisto]

Buckeyes are only 3.5 pt favorites, and realistically, should prolly be about 1-2 point favorites.

Huskies have looked very good in each of their first two games. Going cross country in the opener to beat Cuse by about 50, and then dominating a ranked Boise team from wire to wire.

That said, Cuse and Boise are both finesse teams. The Buckeye D has looked really good so far. They need to be physical and smack that freshman QB in the mouth a couple times early. Boeckman needs to get his head out of his ass, and I would not hesitate to go to Schoenhoft early if hs struggles if I was JT.

Should be an interesting game, and the first real barometer for the '07 Buckeyes. Im looking forward to it.

As you clearly state, it's not the Buckeyes D you need to worry about. I expect it to be good, though not as dominant as it was against a greatly mismatched Akron squad. Washington is definitely better than that.

I'd say that the Big Ten's already deeply damaged national rep will take a huge hit if Ohio State can't beat Washington, even with Washington's early decent showings. Washington hasn't faced a D like Ohio State's and that should be the difference.

[consigliere]

I hope I am wrong, but with inexperience on offense and travelling cross country, I think this Washington game is the only blemish we will have on our record going into the Wisconsin game.

Like I said, I hope I am wrong. I'll be pleasantly surprised with a win here....not because Washington is all that good, but just our lack of experience and this being a tough road test I don't think this team is ready for.

[furls]

my take will be out tomorrow morning. There is certainly some cause for concern any time a young, highly ranked team goes cross country to play a team that is feeling a bit neglected by the national media. Right now the Huskies think they should be a top 25 team, and they realize that a win over Ohio State puts them there and gets them national respect, regardless of whether Ohio State deserves its #10 ranking.

[Mr. MacPhisto]

my take will be out tomorrow morning. There is certainly some cause for concern any time a young, highly ranked team goes cross country to play a team that is feeling a bit neglected by the national media. Right now the Huskies think they should be a top 25 team, and they realize that a win over Ohio State puts them there and gets them national respect, regardless of whether Ohio State deserves its #10 ranking.

Whether Ohio State deserves the ranking or not, beating the Buckeyes is always a big deal because of the historic strength of the program. There are some exceptions to that theory (witness Michigan thus far this year - though Oregon got quite a bit of traction because they blew them out), but beating a name program like OSU gets you recognized.

This is also a big game for Willingham. As Notre Dame faces the prospect of an 0-3 start, Willingham can put together a 3-0 start and show that he wasn't the problem in South Bend. I don't think he's the kind of guy that focuses on this, but it's got to be at the back of his mind. I guarantee many ND fans will pine for Willingham if he does beat the Buckeyes and Nd loses to Michigan.

[furls]

This is also a big game for Willingham. As Notre Dame faces the prospect of an 0-3 start, Willingham can put together a 3-0 start and show that he wasn't the problem in South Bend. I don't think he's the kind of guy that focuses on this, but it's got to be at the back of his mind. I guarantee many ND fans will pine for Willingham if he does beat the Buckeyes and Nd loses to Michigan.

Rock on Mac, Preach it.

Willingham got a raw deal in South Bend. Notre Dame revisionists can paint it any way they like, but the fact is that their program is no better today than it was when Willingham was running the team. It may actually be worse.

The Notre Dame fan will say that Weiss has been winning without bringing in his guys. I am saying that fat charlie has been bringing in his guys for 2-3 years now and Notre Dame still looks pretty devoid of talent on the defensive side of the ball, and the much talked about NFL offense he brought to college.... well, lets just say that there is a reason that there are a lot of spreads and gimmicky offenses in college, because it works.

Typically most college teams have one very good corner and one pretty good corner, reasonable run support first safeties (generalization). Playing an NFL 2 wide type set plays right into the hands of what most teams can field defensively.

The spread and option pass work in college because it forces teams to put less talented DBs on the field and takes advantage of college players tendency to fall for misdirection. Most teams 3rd WRs (particularly at the elite programs) are MUCH MUCH better than their opponents nickel and it only gets worse when you put more receivers on the field.

NDs defense is just as bad as it has been since day one under Weis and I find it interesting that he still continues to get a pass. Well, I guess when ND loses a bunch of games this year (i predict 8 ), sentiment will change. It is possible that ND could go 0-8 going into the Navy game and based on what I saw of Navy against Rutgers, I wouldn't call that game a sure W either.